HAMBURG, Germany, June 15 (UPI) -- Goalkeeper Cristian Mora posted his second shutout of the 2006 World Cup, helping Ecuador to a 3-0 victory Thursday over Costa Rica.
Ecuador's win assures both Ecuador and Mexico of advancing to the World Cup's second round, as both won their first two games. Mexico and Ecuador square off Tuesday in the Group A finale in Berlin, with Ecuador holding a two-goal advantage in goal differential.
Poland and Costa Rica, now eliminated, play their final game in Hanover.
The Ecuador defense gave Mora strong support, but where he only needed to make one save against Poland, Costa Rico managed 12 shots -- four on goal. None of the shots, however, were by Paulo Wanchope, who had two goals against Mexico.
The first two Ecuador goals came from Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado, the same pair who scored goals in the team's tournament-opening 2-0 victory over Poland.
Ecuador showed its tight teamwork in getting its first goal against Costa Rica eight minutes into the game. Ecuador worked the ball nicely in a crowded middle before finding Luis Valencia open out wide. Valencia then passed to Tenorio, who headed the ball in.
Delgado had just missed on a shot when he trapped the ball with his chest and fired a shot inside the near post for a 2-0 lead in the 54th minute.
Ecuador sealed the game with a goal from Ivan Kaviedes during injury time.
